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Kelly Townsend

Kelly Townsend is the editor at Playback, with previous experience in B2B and entertainment journalism. Before joining the Playback team in 2018, she worked in the editorial, marketing and communication departments at B2B publisher Dovetail Communications. She has a bachelor's degree in English from York University and is a graduate of Humber College’s journalism program. Her byline has appeared in IndieWire and she spent several years covering Canadian TV as associate editor of The TV Junkies.

Posts by Kelly Townsend

Deals: CBC, MoreThan Films, Spin Master, Bell Media

CBC picks up multiple scripted series from ITV Studios, Sophy Romvari’s Blue Heron secures a sales agent ahead of its Locarno debut, and more.

August 1, 2025

Amsterdam’s Insight TV acquires Off the Fence assets

The deal will see OTF close its in-house production arm and raises uncertainty regarding the future of its Toronto office.

July 31, 2025

Rogers, Bell agree to distribute specialty channels

Rogers Sports & Media channels HGTV, Food Network, Discovery, Magnolia Network and Investigation Discovery are now available to Bell Fibe TV and Satellite TV subscribers.

July 29, 2025

New Mountain Films acquires dark comedy Loathe Thy Neighbor

The feature is the first production under Christian Majewski and Lauren Holly’s indie outfit Taconic Pictures.

July 25, 2025

AIFF unveils four Atlantic features as world premieres for 45th festival

EXCLUSIVE: The Atlantic International Film Festival runs from Sept. 10 to 17, with the full lineup to be announced next month.

July 23, 2025

SODEC selects 11 docs for $3M in production funding

The documentaries received support from SODEC’s production assistance program.

July 22, 2025

Feds ask CBC/Radio-Canada to propose spending cuts

The proposal is separate from the government’s promise to increase its investment in CBC/Radio-Canada by $150 million, according to a spokesperson for the pubcaster.

July 17, 2025

Wattpad Webtoon Studios rebrands, names new president

David Madden has been elevated to president of the rebranded Webtoon Productions, with Maximilian Jo heading up its strategic initiatives.

July 11, 2025

Heather Haynes, Elizabeth Radshaw exit Hot Docs

Hot Docs has no immediate plan to fill the roles, with Diana Sanchez supporting the programming and industry teams in the meantime.

July 7, 2025

Film distributors ask CRTC for feature presales incentive

Commissioners also heard arguments for increased fair market access for BDU competitors like Telus (pictured) and Eastlink.

June 30, 2025

Google urges ‘restraint’ in CRTC’s online regulation

APTN raised concerns about the level of collaboration within the Canadian media industry, while WildBrain called the children’s content decline the “canary in the coal mine.”

June 26, 2025

Corus, Rogers talk commercial disputes at CRTC hearing

Rogers is seeking less regulatory burden, but Corus has argued that regulation is needed in a transitional time for the sector.

June 23, 2025